Hall of Fame play-by-play voice Pat Foley was forced out after last season, the team traded star winger Alex DeBrincat on draft day and now Olczyk is departing. Eddie Olczyk not returning to Blackhawks broadcasts - WGN-TV 1 min read. . People always ask me with the cancer whether I look at things differently now than I did before I was sick, Olczyk said. It was on a flight with the Chicago Blackhawks, who picked him in 1984 NHL draft, that he met Diana. But giving a woman this kind of rein would certainly be a good look for an organization that has been through the mud politically these past few seasons.Or it could backfire. Or do you want to spend your remaining time in the limelight youve always known? Tommy, 25, is a senior forward for nationally ranked Penn State. Where Is Eddie Olczyk Tonight? Health Problem News And Im happy for the organization, obviously, on a professional level, but on a personal level, Im just ecstatic and over the moon.. Diana Olczyk and Eddie Olczyk are the parents of 4 children Eddie Olczyk is happily married to Diana Olczyk.. Hell join the Krakens broadcast booth and continue as an analyst for TNT. Midway through a radio broadcast last January, Nick made an emergency TV debut filling in for his dad, who was taken to a hospital with what turned out to be a minor illness. 1 Marriage 4 Children. Scott Powers is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Chicago Blackhawks. That's as far as I'm gonna go on that. And the one thing I guess Im proud and excited to say is that I dont. On December 30, 2010, it was announced that Foley and Olczyk signed a three-year extension to stay with the Blackhawks. Meet the Inspiring NFL On-Air Personality, Who Is Will Hardy? He was also inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. His son Nick discussed a TV studio analyst role with the Kraken and signed with the organization before his father did. Diana and Eddie Olczyk are parents to four children. See Also: Paul Mooney Gay, Net Worth, Wife, Health, Family. The hockey tradition has also carried on with Eddie's three sons, who are all coaching and playing hockey. But like I said, the situation dictated itself, and the offer was too good to refuse, and I get an opportunity to work with my family. Their sons, Nick, Tommy and Eddie III followed their father's footsteps. Click here to follow the Blackhawks Talk Podcast. Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. To us, family is everything.". [2] He is an alumnus of Loyola Academy and Michigan State University, with a Bachelor of Science in telecommunications from the latter. Eddie Olczyk: I Want Inside The NBA Crew On TNT NHL Show That he was a former draft pick made it that much more special to witness. His own brush with mortality isnt something new Kraken television voice Eddie Olczyk takes lightly; a well-chronicled bout with Stage 3 colon cancer not too long ago he wasnt certain hed survive. Olczyk was also the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from June 2003 to . We're able to talk about anything and everything. The loss of Olczyk in the broadcasting booth makes me very sad. Thats as far as Im gonna go on that. His contract with the Blackhawks expired on June 30, and a team source said the leadership group was "blindsided" by Olczyk's decision to leave. These are some really, really big shoes to fill. He played 16 seasons in the NHL, coached in the NHL and is now one of the game's most recognizable television commentators. We . Health: Olzic released a statement via Blackhawks announcing that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Eddie Olczyk Apr 11 2021 Eddie Olczyk had built a life and career most people could only dream of. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.". Michigan had the highest population of Olczyk families in 1920. Id like to say that Im shocked, but numb might be a more fitting word to use at this point. Geoff Baker covers hockey and is a sports enterprise and investigative reporter for The Seattle Times. Olczyk will team with John Forslund to form one of the best TV tandems in hockey which the Hawks once had. In February 2016, it was announced that Olczyk would be the recipient of the Ring Lardner Award, which was founded in 2002 by the Chicago Athletic Association and honors broadcasters and writers who "exemplify the wit and warmth of Ring Lardner's writing." But despite Rocky Wirtzs feelings for him, the Hawks drew a line with Olczyk. And then theres general manager Ron Francis, who was roommates with Olczyk in the final season for both with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1997-98. Eddie Olczyk (right) and Pat Foley are calling Blackhawks playoff games together but apart. Olczyk took the high road by owning the decision to leave, but he didnt arrive at it alone. At least the way Eddie Olczyk sees it. Honestly, more disappointed than surprised. Book a personalized video $49. All you young hockey fans out there, Keep your stick on the ice!, Stop it right there. He hopes that with the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans he will be back in the broadcast booth soon. Ed Olczyk is also an inductee of USA-HOF from 2012. Eddie Olczyk discusses surviving colon cancer, return to booth - Sports We went to the bank and borrowed $675 and signed a promissory note so he could go on a hockey trip. This way, we dont have to associate his voice with whats to come. His oldest son, also named Eddie, is a 26-year-old assistant coach at Niagara University. He was selected by the Blackhawks with the third pick in the 1984 NHL Draft, and played five seasons for them (1984-87, 1998-2000). The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. Michelle Muscatello Leaving WPRI: Where Is the Rhode Island Meteorologist Going? The Olczyks had been more of a football and baseball family to that point, but 6-year-old Eddie wanted to give skating a try. Since the 201819 NHL season, "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Brian Boucher joins Emrick, Olczyk, and McGuire for big games. Who Is Kimmi Chex? (Scott Powers / The Athletic). "I remember times when my mom would drive me in the car with my gear," Eddie said. I don't know why we're so deserving of these fortunes. Eddie Olczyk is leaving the Chicago Blackhawks after 16 years as a color commentator on their television broadcasts. Neither would eleven, five, or even six. Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) August 11, 2022 Playing Career Back on June 9, 1984 the Chicago Blackhawks selected 20 year old Chicago native Eddie Olczyk third overall. Hell join the Krakens booth next season. What weve gone through transitionally, moving, new schools, finding doctors, friends, thats crazy. Olczyk has several connections to the Kraken. The couple is blessed with four children namely Nick Olczyk, Zandra Olczyk, Tom Olczyk, and Eddie Olczyk.. All of his sons are involved in hockey as Nick and Tom are currently playing professional hockey and Eddie is a former player who currently is an assistant coach for Niagara . Eddie Olczyk: Birth Realities, Family, and Childhood Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. was conceived on August 16, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Short Bio. I played football, and I was eliminated as the pyramid got higher and narrower. Eddie Olczyk Biography, Age, Wife, Children, Career, Health, Net worth Once Eddie showed promise in hockey, he began to have more opportunities to play against better competition, which meant having to send him around the United States and into Canada. Having grown up in the hockey aspect of it, you just watch them all how they grow on the ice and as human beings, said Diana. 08/26/2019. We appreciate his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.. "Both my boys and my brother, and (general manager) Ronnie Francis, we. On May 5, 2014, EA Sports announced that "Eddie O" will provide color commentary for NHL 15 alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Ray Ferraro. [9] Tom, who played hockey at Penn State, most recently played professionally for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. NHL trade tracker: Latest deals and grades, NHL trade grades: Sabres smartly buy low on Greenway, NHL trade deadline 2023: Fantasy hockey live reaction, Flyers GM: Red Wings nixed van Riemsdyk trade, Avs' Makar OK'd to return 2nd time from protocol, Wild acquire defenseman Klingberg from Ducks, Sabres add size up front, get Greenway from Wild, Penguins acquire defenseman Kulikov from Ducks, Sources: No discipline for Watson hit on Motte, Surging Bruins fastest to 100 pts. Olczyk also has an interest in Thoroughbred horse racing, appearing in advertisements for Xpressbet and serving as a guest commentator and handicapper for major horse racing events such as the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes on NBC networks, and on WGN Sports coverage of the Arlington Million that is fed nationally. Eddie Olczyk Family. The facts are simple. Plus, like with all of his contracts, Olczyk had asked his brother, Ricky, a former lawyer, to look it over before signing. Eddie also leads hockey analyst for NHL on NBC and, The Chicago Blackhawks. During the next season, he was traded back to the Winnipeg Jets for their fifth-round choice (who ended up being Alexei Vasiliev) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. Olczyk was also the lead color commentator for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Men's Ice Hockey, where he partnered with Mike Emrick and "Inside-the-Glass" reporter Pierre McGuire. Olczyk was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Their youngest son, Nick, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and plays for Colorado College. But I am also happy for him as he has a lot of family connections in Seattle. For a working-class family, that wasn't always easy. The Family Man. No one will know the real reasons the contract went into the paper shredder. Eddie Olczyk (fully Edward Walter Olczyk Jr.) is an American professional ice hockey analyst who also formerly played ice hockey as a center for NHL teams like Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. "We didn't know how expensive traveling was," Diana said. About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. His deal expired after last season. For someone whos done so much not just for the Blackhawks but the Chicago community, it seems like the organization totally misread the room. I think both sides certainly expected to get a contract done. That was hard to hear because it seemed like all the Blackhawks had to do was give him what he wanted. He wouldn't rule out the possibility of maybe the Inside The NBA guys playing a part in some broadcasts. Its not what we knew. Olczyk was pleased the Blackhawks replaced him with Murray and Patrick Sharp, two people he has known and respected for many years. The Olczyk family didnt have it easy when Eddie played in the NHL. The boys have a lot of those traits. The Blackhawks teardown includes the TV booth. . That allowed the Kraken to swoop in. Their daughter, Alexandra is a student at the University of Alabama. I do have to look over. Heres what you need to know about Eddie Olczyks wife, Diana Olczyk. Theres a hockey history here, but you always have to assume theres somebody new watching, Olczyk said. On April 8, 2010, Olczyk returned to Pittsburgh to join more than 50 former Pittsburgh Penguins players being honored in a pregame ceremony before the final regular season game at Civic Arena in Pittsburgh. Burish seems like someone who could fly off the handle, or perhaps not be as controlled or professional as the organization might want. [11], Rick Olczyk, Eddie's younger brother, is a former hockey player for Brown University and became an assistant general manager for the Kraken in 2019. I will also miss him always saying, Keep an eye on the goaltender if the Hawks or the opposing team were down by a goal with a couple of minutes left. He continues through another door that leads him outside, then through another door back inside. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential . Follow Scott on Twitter @byscottpowers, Nick Olczyk, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk are part of the Krakens broadcast team this season. How could he? He had 794 points (342 goals, 452 assists) in 1,031 games for the Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs, and was part of the Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup championship. Eddie Olczyk and Diana Olczyks family live and breathe hockey. She was in the studio for pre-game, post-game, and intermission analysis. His brother Ricky is an assistant general manager, his son Eddie is an amateur scout and general manager Ron Francis is a close friend. Besides Chelios or Murray, I thought Nick Olczyk, Eddies son would make a good candidate as he did well calling some games last season, but Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reported he left the organization as well. I know how close their family is and I know how close we are as a family. . He has more than earned the right to command whatever he wants as far as contracts go. The credibility that Olczyk brought to his role was second to none. At the end of the day it is always about money and terms. Thanks so much for this great birthday video . Eddie Olczyk leaves Blackhawks broadcast, set to join Kraken - Yahoo! The Olczyk family lived a comfortable life as his father had earned a huge sum of money in his career. But at the same time, I think its exciting to be a part of something new.. Ill leave it at that. It's been pretty amazing that the boys and my brother are still in the game.". His older fans followed him from his days in National Hockey League while his younger fans . Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family." Olczyk, a Chicago native who was drafted by the Blackhawks third overall in 1984, has been . He went to a couple of Seattle Mariners games. But even before Olczyk officially hit the market in July, the Kraken reached out to the Blackhawks and asked permission to talk to him while he was still under contract. Longtime analyst Eddie Olczyk will not return to the team. I worked with the kids and stuff. Olczyk then turned the mic over to Rocky Wirtz, who thanked everyone for attending before heaping praise on Olczyk. Eddie Olczyk Son Two of his children are currently playing hockey. On July 18, 2022, Olczyk left the Blackhawks following a contract dispute to join the broadcasting team for the Seattle Kraken. Ricky didn't possess the talent Eddie did, though, and his playing days ended in college. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023. I mean thats just the reality of the world we live in. Signals From The Deep - TopPodcast.com On July 18, it was announced that beloved Chicago Blackhawks ' broadcaster Eddie Olczyk would leave the organization after serving 16 years as a color . Eddie will always be part of the Blackhawks family. He coached the Penguins for two seasons between 2003-05, going 31-64-10 with eight ties. Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Despite ample legal trouble, Sizemore had steady film and television credits. But, now he's moving on. His deal expired after last season. They may not know what an icing is, or a specific slang in hockey. With Kevin Durant now in the mix, the new-look Suns showed the Bulls just how much firepower they have. Having grown up in the hockey aspect of it, you just watch them all how they grow on the ice and as human beings,, About 25 years ago, Diana O. ranin the Pocahontas Stakes while Eddie was in Winnipeg for the hockey game. Reviews. Perfect hires, Blackhawks forever, and so I think its a win-win for them doing the games, Olczyk said. in NHL history, Rangers, Bruins, other Beasts of the East feast on NHL trade deadline, Chasing history in Boston: The numbers behind the Bruins' wild 2022-23 season, McDavid, then who? Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Instead, Olczyk will join the Kraken while remaining as an analyst for TNT. And just make sure I walk into the right booth. Foley retired after last season after his 39-year tenure as a play-by-play announcer, and less than three months later, fans have to say goodbye to another big part of their team in Olczyk. Blackhawks 'Disappointed' With Eddie Olczyk's Departure in Statement Nicks hiring by the Kraken did help make Olczyks decision easier. My heart breaks for his family, former colleagues and every player who was lucky enough to call him their coach. Next Up In Honestly, I shouldnt say, but its only rained one day in like the 30 Ive been here so far. Enter Search Term. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. But although that scare made him want to fight for the things he already appreciated, the death last summer of Olczyks mother, Diana, reminded him there was still more hed like to do. But he drew one, too and it leads to Seattle. I had one goal. He called the Blackhawks' games through a historic run of championship hockey. Jim O'Donnell: Olczyk sends unmistakable message to the Blackhawks with June 7th, 2022 Birthday. Olczyk has rented a two-bedroom apartment in the Seattle suburb of Bellevue. "I had a great meeting earlier today with Rocky Wirtz and had a great meeting with Danny Wirtz and Jaime Faulkner. Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. (/oltk/; born August 16, 1966) is an American former center in the National Hockey League for 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Having walked in that building for 16 straight years, under some real emotional time, not only franchise-wise but also personally, spent a lot of my life there, so Im sure the time to reminisce and be able to really kind of sit back. And so when I got sick, theres some peace with that.. . You need that entering a rebuild, and theyre missing out. Nick once elaborated how hockey crazy the family is, We have a plaque, actually, in our house right when you walk in the foyer that says, We interrupt this family for hockey. I think thats a perfect slogan if you can quote our family.. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, he fell in love with the game of hockey during an era when most kids preferred balls to pucks. This is what I will remember about Eddie O. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. In . Lets face it; he was the voice of the Blackhawks for the last 16 years. Hes still commuting between coasts, keeping an Eastside residence for when hes working here. Try a week on us. T Eddie Olczyk is moving on from the organization after 16 seasons as the team's TV color analyst, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Chicago. Eddie Olczyk revealed that he has cancer but wont let it defeat him thanks to the support of his wife and family. Of all the NHL transactions this offseason, one of the most unexpected was Olczyk leaving his hometown team and the Blackhawks broadcast after 16 seasons to join the Kraken. Eddie's youngest son, Nick, 19, plays for the South Shore Kings of the U.S. Premier Hockey League and will play at Colorado College beginning next season. Hes focused on the present. Im frustrated that the Blackhawks could not get a deal done, and Im sad because of what the team will miss. Eddie Olczyk on Unfiltered: 'This Was My Decision' - NBC Chicago At the same time , Its strange, Nick Olczyk says later. Diana Olczyk: 4 Facts to Know about Eddie Olczyk's Wife - Earn The Necklace Olczyk, who has been on Hawks broadcasts since 2006, couldnt reach an agreement with management on a new contract. The Olczyk family name was found in the USA in 1920. The news of Olczyk leaving the Blackhawks. Can you guys wear a name tag for me? He worked on the coaching staff of Niagara Universitys hockey team and is currently a coach at Bemidji State University, UMass. He was one last thing to cling to, and now he is gone. Twenty is a nice round number. It seems like the Blackhawks stiffed him in that sense, and if thats the case, then thats disheartening knowing they didnt step up to the plate. In a seismic event in the Chicago sports market, the Blackhawks and TV analyst Eddie Olczyk are parting ways. He grew up watching the Blackhawks on TV and then he was drafted by them in 1984. Olczyk won't return as a color commentator for Hawks games on NBC Sports Chicago,. Listening to Foley and Olczyk was part of the whole Blackhawks experience. Eddie Olczyk has been the Blackhawks TV analyst since 2006. Olczyk's contract expired on June 30. Players, coaches, execs vote for NHL's top centers, Road to the men's Frozen Four: Conference tournaments at a glance, Theodore scores in SO, Golden Knights beat Devils 4-3, Lineup picks, matchups, start or sit advice for Friday. him some grave news about her namesake thoroughbred. Fans knew that the iconic duo of Pat Foley and Olczyk calling Blackhawks games wouldnt last forever, but no one expected it to end this abruptly. Am I working with Kenny (Albert), or Johnny (Forslund) or Jonesy (Keith Jones) or J.T.? Like many Blackhawks fans, Edzo has done a lot for me. However, it feels like there may have also been a little more at play in this particular scenario. Besides Nick, Olczyk's brother Ricky is an assistant general manager for the Kraken and son Eddie Jr. is an amateur scout. My plan, full honesty, was then to make the jump to the American League for five years and then have 10 years in the minors and then maybe get a chance in the NHL. Former NHLer Olczyk hopes to inspire others after battling colon cancer They're just good people and hardworking. Given their current outlook, he may have realized there was no better time than the present. And its OK to get that in there. Wed never played together, never worked on a team together because of the age and stuff. The Sutter family, theyve been able to work together. Olczyk said details for the planned three-man setup remain in flux. They showed an extreme interest in wanting me, or at least exploring the opportunity, Olczyk said of the Kraken. From 1984 through 1987, Olczyk was a member of Chicago's infamous "Clydesdale Line" with Troy Murray and Curt Fraser, the nickname coined by Chicago's broadcaster Pat Foley, as each player weighed in at or around 200 pounds. Seated a row behind him is his youngest son, Nick Olczyk, who is preparing for the nights TV broadcast. Rickys place in the organization definitely helped facilitate the family coming together with the Kraken. "I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old. His son, Nick, has rented near him, but on a more permanent basis as he develops Kraken content across TV, radio and digital platforms. "The mom and dad are extremely honest, hardworking, genuine people. Eddie Olczyk is a famous American ice hockey player. And its been hard with my mother. How Eddie Olczyk found comfort in the Kraken after leaving the He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. Eddie went on to become one of the United States' top players. Its tough to say. Eddie Olczyk Net Worth, Age, Bio, Birthday, Height, Facts - BuzzLearn NHL trade deadline: Winners and losers, including the Bruins, Devils and Bruce Boudreau? Thank you Eddie for all you have done for the Blackhawks and the city of Chicago, and best of luck on your newest adventure! In 1920 there were 2 Olczyk families living in Michigan. Im sure going back will feel a little different, but its home. Thats an exciting opportunity for him, but it hurts and he will be missed. Olczyk already had a ton of reasons to consider joining the Kraken. Previously, he covered the Blackhawks and the White Sox for ESPN Chicago. Olczyk was recently named the NHL Hockey Fights Cancer Ambassador for the 2019-20 season and his new book " Eddie Olczyk: Beating the Odds in Hockey and in Life " tells the story of his fight . NHL -- Eddie Olczyk and his familiy are living and loving the hockey life He attended Brother Rice Catholic High School. Former New York Ranger Eddie Olczyk talks hockey and cancer Jim Bay Former New York Ranger and NBC hockey analyst Eddie Olczyk. Speaker Series event to feature Eddie Olczyk - Weirton Daily Times He was traded several times during his career. Former Husky QB Jake Haener thinks he'll 'stack up with some of the top guys' at NFL combine, Smoothies and scavenger hunts: How UW's nutrition team fuels Husky football, Pac-12 men's basketball hot seats: Odds that UW's Mike Hopkins, others are gone after season, Hardwood Classic: Recaps and results from 2023 Washington state basketball tournament.